The STRATIFY falls risk assessment tool was not useful in predicting falls in patients with acute stroke

Smith J, Forster A, Young J. Use of the ‘STRATIFY’ falls risk assessment in patients recovering from acute stroke. Age Ageing2006;35:138–43.

Q In patients recovering from acute stroke, does the STRATIFY falls risk assessment tool predict falls in hospital and after
discharge?

METHODS

Design:

2 prospective cohort studies (inpatient and post-discharge cohorts) to evaluate a clinical prediction guide previously developed
based on an elderly hospital patient population.

Setting:

6 stroke rehabilitation units in the UK.

Patients:

359 patients 34–100 years of age (median age 78 y, 51% women) with recent acute stroke. Patients in the inpatient study (n = 225)
had a baseline assessment within 2 weeks of admission to the rehabilitation unit and remained in the unit ⩾28 more days. Patients
in the post-discharge study (n = 234) were assessed within 48 hours of discharge and agreed to be contacted 3 months after
discharge. Some patients participated in both studies.